Auto rickshaw drivers in Mangaluru protest against introduction of electric rickshaws
Mangaluru: On Thursday, the Association of Dakshina Kannada District Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Unions, backed by various like-minded unions, staged a large-scale protest in Mangaluru, demanding the revocation of the permission granted to operate electric auto rickshaws in the district. The protestors, who are primarily concerned about the impact on their livelihoods, urged the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mullai Muhilan to reconsider the decision.
The protest began with a procession, labeled as ‘DC Office Chalo,’ which commenced at Ambedkar Circle (Jyothi Circle) in Balmatta and culminated at Clock Tower Circle in Hampankatta. The protestors insisted that the DC personally accept their memorandum outlining their grievances. To maintain order, security was heightened along the procession route, with barricades and police personnel strategically positioned to prevent any untoward incidents.
Sunil Kumar Bajal, a leader from the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), addressed the gathered crowd, accusing DC Muhilan of making a biased decision in favor of electric auto rickshaws. Bajal highlighted that Mangaluru, the district headquarters, has around 9,000 auto rickshaw drivers who depend on their vehicles for their livelihood. Introducing electric auto rickshaws, he argued, could threaten their source of income.
Bajal further questioned the rationale behind the decision, pointing out that neighboring districts have not received similar orders to introduce electric rickshaws. He suggested that the decision might be a result of a deal between the district administration and electricity supply companies. He also raised concerns about potential clashes between auto rickshaw drivers and law enforcement due to the increased number of vehicles on the roads. According to Bajal, Mangaluru city has 115 designated rickshaw parks, but space limitations often lead to disputes, with drivers facing legal action if they exceed the permitted parking limits.
The protest, described as a warning to the district authorities, included demands for the immediate withdrawal of the permission granted for electric rickshaws. The association also called for a comprehensive survey to assess the challenges faced by auto rickshaw drivers in the district and urged the authorities to find appropriate solutions.
Key figures in the protest included Ashok Shetty Bolar, the President of the Association, along with other leaders such as Aboobaker Surathkal, Mushtaq Ali, Stanley Noronha, Arun Kumar, and Appu Swamy, who participated in the demonstration.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
